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Caravaggio, a classic.

Another classic is visiting us in Buenos Aires. This time it is Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610). He was an Italian barok painter, trained in Milan under Simone Peterzano. He moved to Rome where he was considered the most famous painter of his time. He was very successful during his life, but was quite a character, going from one ballroom to another always ready to get into a fight. Eventually he had to leave Rome. He spend time in Naples and Malta and later in Sicily. After his death he was completely forgotten and only rediscovered in the 20th century.

He has influenced many painters in Europe, including Rembrandt and Rubens, and even today they call his technique of clair-obscure ‘Caravaggisti’.

This exhibition in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires shows a few really interesting paintings of himself, and a few of his followers.

There are only about 7 Caravaggios, including the ‘Medusa’ (don’t forget to have a look at the back side of the shield). Among the other painters are Giovanni Baglione, Hendrik van Somer, Tommaso Salini, just to name a few.

The entrance is free, and the exhibition ends december 15. This one really can’t be missed.Open Monday to Friday 12.30 to 20.30; Saturdays and Sundays from 9.30 to 20.30.